This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA approved Levocarnitine for carnitine deficiency on March 29, 2001 which treats both primary and secondary carnitine deficiency.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Levocarnitine assists the body in utilizing fats for energy by transporting them to the cell's energy centers, where they are converted into usable energy, crucial for organs like the heart and muscles.

Uses of undefined

Levocarnitine treats primary carnitine deficiency in adults, children, infants, and newborns. Additionally, it prevents and treats secondary carnitine deficiency in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Levocarnitine Tablet: 

Take the Levocarnitine as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Levocarnitine Injection: 

Levocarnitine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Levocarnitine should not be consumed if you are allergic to Levocarnitine or any of its ingredients in the medication. Before taking this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have severe kidney problems or are undergoing dialysis. Additionally, if you have diabetes and are using insulin or other diabetes medications, or if you are taking anticoagulant medicine like warfarin or other blood clot-reducing drugs.

Precautions

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Levocarnitine, inform your doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Notify your doctor about drug-related body odor because dosage adjustments might be considered. If you're on anticoagulant medication like warfarin, inform your doctor, as tests could show prolonged blood clotting.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Levocarnitine are mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and body odor.

Word Of Advice

Do not stop the dose until your doctor advises. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine unless your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Store below 25°C and protect from light. Do not freeze the medicine. Keep the medicine away from a moist place. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Drugs.com, Levocarnitine Tablet Prescribing Information, [Revised on Feb 2023] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], Levocarnitine Tablet: Package Insert - Drugs.com
  2. Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc. U.S Food and Drug Administration. [Revised on June 2006] [Accessed on 21st August 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/018948s024,019257s011lbl.pdf
  3. J. Goddard, A.N. Turner, Kidney, and Urinary Tract Disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 461-523.
  4. KD. Tripathi. Miscellaneous drugs. Vitamins. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page 912.
  5. Drugs.com, Levocarnitine Injection Prescribing Information, [Revised on Jan 2023] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], https://www.drugs.com/pro/levocarnitine-injection.html#s-34084-4 .
  6. Alfasigma S.p.A., Electronic medicines compendium (emc); [Revised on May 2017] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], Microsoft Word - uk-pl-inj-approved-matransfer.doc (medicines.org.uk)

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.